Entrepreneurs interested in placing an adult marijuana store or cultivation facility in Holland village limits will need to wait a few more months.
At the February 20 meeting, village council placed a six-month moratorium on any new facilities.
Council convened a public hearing to address the issue, but heard from no one objecting to or in favor of the proposal.
Mayor Ryan Spangler said the moratorium was recommended to allow Ohio legislators time to amend the law, which was approved by voters in November 2023, making marijuana been legal in Ohio since December.
Because Issue 2 is a citizen initiative, state lawmakers can propose and pass modifications to the new law.
The Ohio Senate proposed a bill in December with major changes to the law, but the Ohio House, failed to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.
Other Business In other business, council:
•Approved a change in the time for future council meetings. Beginning March 5, council will meet at 6 p.m., the first and third Tuesdays of each month in council chambers at the administration building.
•Renewed property and liability insurance with Ohio Plan for $38,747. Administrator Bob Bethel explained that the village will be receiving a rebate of $5,767.
“We are eligible for the rebate due to our association with Lexipol,” he explained.
•Heard from solicitor Paul Skaff that the natural gas contract is up this year and the Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition, of which the village is a member, is recommending Columbia Gas.
“The consultants are confident that Columbia will be the best” he said, adding that the village has an additional year on the electric contract which runs through May 2025.
Since joining the coalition nearly a decade ago residents have saved $21 million on natural gas and $124 million on electricity, Mr. Skaff noted.
•Received an update on the Spectrum Drive project. Mr. Bethel expects to award the bid in early March with the project to begin in April.
•Learned that the branding project for the village is moving along. Mr. Bethel met with students from Bowling Green State University who are working on designs for council’s review.
The administrator met with the class to review some unique characteristics and traditions of the village such as the railroad and Strawberry Festival.
“I’m encouraged by what I saw from this class,” he added.
•Received an update from Mayor Spangler on the building committee.
The committee is looking into updating security cameras for the police department, Lodge at Strawberry Acres Park and the community building.
They are considering a keyless entry system for the lodge instead of using a key.
They also are looking at additional parking spaces. “The lodge lacks adequate parking,” Mayor Spangler said, adding they are looking at additional parking off Clarion and constructing spaces around the horseshoe area of the lodge main entry.
The parking lot project would include resurfacing the path from Clarion Avenue to the lodge. “It is in need of replacement,” he said.
•Received a thank you from Interim Police Chief Jim Piotrowski for keeping contractors on task as repairs were made to the police station, which was damaged a few months ago after a pipe burst and flooded the department.
•Learned from Lyn Krasula, clerk/treasurer, that the village finances are doing well heading into this year.
She said returns on investments this past year are better than they have been in a long time. In addition, the village, despite increases in payroll with several new employees, still has revenues exceeding expenditures “which is always a good thing.”
•Paid bills totaling $37,525.
Council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 5 in council chambers at the administrative building, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
